REFLECTOR: Getting close...couple questions

[Rene Dugas]

Nick,

I know your pain with the nose overcenter Nitrogen Cylinder.  I found that
there is a ¼ inch valve shut off stem at my local hardware store that looks
like the picture.  I can lift the end of the cylinder and slip it on the
ball of the fitting in one try after a thousand attempts over the last 12
years.  I hope the pics go thru.

Rene’

 

From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Jones Nick
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 7:34 AM
To: geoff.gerhardt at gmail.com; Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Getting close...couple questions

 

Geoff,

 

I wouldn’t run the engine without some sort of prop/flywheel. The IO360s
have moving counterweights on the crankshaft and running it without some
sort of inertia adsorbing device will wear out the bushings in short order.
Not to mention it would play havoc on the gear train in the accessory case.

 

FWIW

Nick.

 

 

From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Geoff Gerhardt
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2012 7:35 PM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: REFLECTOR: Getting close...couple questions

 

I had a great weekend at the hangar where I finished up a few major jobs.
Got my panel back in and buttoned down.  Retractable gear works perfectly
now.  One job that I'd been avoiding is replacement of the gas spring that
assists emergency deployment of the nose gear.  The spring that was in there
had gotten weak and was taking forever to push the nose gear over center.
But, wow, what an ordeal to replace that.  My arms look like I've been
fighting cats as they're all scratched up from reaching into the keel.  Its
done, tho.  I hope it doesn't need replacing for another 10 yrs.

 

I also re-checked my fuel system now that its fully plumbed - found a couple
minor leaks that I fixed.

 

So, next weekend, I will likely call the fuel truck over.  I have a couple
questions.  What's the best way to calibrate the fuel tank levels?  I have
capacitance fuel sensors as well as sight gauges.  What I'm thinking is that
I'll get one tank filled up in increments to allow calibration, then use a
fuel pump to pump it over to the other tank and calibrate that one. Then,
open up the vents and sump connections to allow them to equalize.  I'm
thinking it would be best not to have full tanks for first taxi tests and
takeoff.  Or, am I over thinking this - should I just fill both tanks to the
brim?

 

Secondly, for first engine start, I would like to leave the prop off to
allow for close inspection of the engine while its running to adjust idle or
look for leaks without getting my head chopped off.  Is there any issue
running the engine for brief periods without a prop (IO360)?

 

Thanks.

 

Geoff

 

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